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This close to the MLB All-Star break, it's fair to say that many players are having legitimate seasons. They're not flukes, as they have sustained success over more than half a season. These five pitchers have been in excellent form throughout the campaign and will possibly be a part of awards conversations the rest of the way.
Best MLB pitchers in Week 16
5) Cole Ragans
Cole Ragans has been a pleasant surprise for the Kansas City Royals this season. He's striking out 11 batters per nine innings with a 3.28 ERA and 2.74 FIP. He's been very solid thus far and could contend for awards when it's all said and done.
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4) Tanner Houck
The Boston Red Sox have found their ace. Tanner Houck has been a revelation, posting 3.2 fWAR this year. Houck also has seven wins to go along with a stunning 2.68 ERA.
3) Chris Sale
Chris Sale has been a fantastic addition to the Atlanta Braves. He's perfectly filled in for Spencer Strider, and he might win the NL Cy Young award in his place. He is leading the National League with a 3.3 fWAR and is also boasting an 11.47 K/9 rate with an 11-3 record alongside a 2.71 ERA.
2) Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal continues to have an excellent season for the Detroit Tigers. If the season ended today, he might be the AL Cy Young winner with his 3.4 fWAR. Skubal also has a 10.80 K/9 rate, 2.37 ERA and 2.54 FIP to go along with that.
1) Garrett Crochet
Garrett Crochet leads MLB in fWAR for pitchers. His 3.7 is the top mark, but it's far from the only good metric the Chicago White Sox pitcher has recorded. He has a blistering 12.47 K/9 and a 3.08 ERA (2.47 xERA).
